Diastolic dysfunction means a problem with which cardiac property?

Diastolic dysfunction means a problem with which cardiac property?

• A. Compliance/Relaxation
• B. Contractility
• C. Preload
• D. Afterload

Answer: (A)

Diastolic dysfunction reflects a problem with relaxation and ventricular compliance during filling. In diastole the ventricle should relax and stretch to accept blood with low pressure. If relaxation is impaired or the ventricle is stiff, filling is limited and filling pressures rise, leading to symptoms of heart failure even when contractile function is preserved. This contrasts with problems of contractility (systolic function). Preload and afterload are loading conditions affecting filling and ejection, but the intrinsic diastolic issue is the ventricle’s relaxation/compliance.

Diastolic dysfunction reflects a problem with relaxation and ventricular compliance during filling. In diastole the ventricle should relax and stretch to accept blood with low pressure. If relaxation is impaired or the ventricle is stiff, filling is limited and filling pressures rise, leading to symptoms of heart failure even when contractile function is preserved. This contrasts with problems of contractility (systolic function). Preload and afterload are loading conditions affecting filling and ejection, but the intrinsic diastolic issue is the ventricle’s relaxation/compliance.